Yesterdays, 1929: Illicit chicken dinners, thanks to railroad

Sunday

May 26, 2013 at 12:01 AM

A week in history

May 26 - June 1, 1929

• "Much excitement was caused in the vicinity of the cattle yard of the Lackawanna railroad on Wednesday afternoon, when several car loads of chickens were transferred from the broken cars which were in a wreck on Tuesday night to the new cars which had been furnished to transfer them to New York," according to The Morning Press.

"Many people of the borough will have fresh chicken for the weekend as hundreds of them (the birds) got loose and scattered about that section where the transfer was being made. Children were running around with a chicken in each hand and many of these were returned to the company by the children who had not gotten away before they were seen."

• Dr. J.M. Yetter, former superintendent of the schools of Monroe County, was in receipt of a letter from W.H. Bristow, assistant director of secondary education in the state department of public instruction.

The letter informed the district that the Chestnuthill, Pocono and Barrett high schools had been recognized as regular four-year schools, which was "a matter of much value to the graduates." Also revealed: Polk school had been recognized as a three-year school.

• Drivers "all bent" on reaching their favorite recreation spot for the Memorial Day weekend jammed Monroe County roads, the daily newspaper reported.

• The Water Gap Manor, one of the newest resorts in the area, opened for the season.

Located below the Point of the Gap near Delaware Water Gap, the manor was one of "finest and most modern houses in the resort region," according to The Morning Press.

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur S. Cox, who operated the house, had spent thousands of dollars in construction costs, making it one of the "most attractive places in the country."

• Chicken and waffles, and roast duck dinners were featured at the formal opening of Charles Inn on the Monroe-Carbon Trail in McIlhaney.

The inn, which had been remodeled, was housed in the former McIlhaney Hotel building.

• "Charles Brong, of Peckville, was admitted to the General Hospital "» as the result of injuries received in an automobile accident when the Reo sedan, in which he was riding, skidded on the Elvin Hill, at Swiftwater, went down over the bank and turned turtle. Mr. Brong, was badly bruised and had a few slight lacerations, but otherwise was not seriously injured," according to The Morning Press.

• "The memorial services in honor of the soldier dead at the cemeteries of the two boroughs "» were the most impressive and best attended that have been held in several years past in spite of the change in plans for the parade made necessary at the last minute, due to the heavy rain which fell in the early morning, and the threatening outlook after the fall. Instead of marchers it was necessary to have all those taking part in the procession, to ride in autos."

• "Another indication of the passing of the horse and buggy was the purchase of a fine old fashioned phaeton by County Treasurer Charles P. Merwine for $1.75 at the auction of the estate of the late Dr. A.A. Wertman, at Tannersville, Tuesday afternoon," according to The Morning Press.